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Home Safety

As a parent, you can prevent injuries by creating a safe environment for your children. Injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children aged one to 14 years. Take the time to survey your home for things that may pose a danger to children. Although you can take steps to make your home safer, actively supervising your children is the most effective way to prevent an injury.

Some dangers to children are:

Falls

Scalds and burns

Choking

Drowning

Poisoning

Strangulation and suffocation

To help prevent injuries:

Get down on your hands and knees to look at your home from a child's point of view

Always plan ahead and learn about your child's developmental stages; often an injury occurs when a child has learned a new developmental skill

Supervise your child closely when you are visiting other’s homes or in new places; injuries are more likely to happen when children are in a place they're not familiar with

Here are some ideas to make your home a safer environment for your children.

General Areas

Post emergency numbers (e.g. poison control) by the phone

Make sure there are working smoke detectors, checked and cleaned regularly (batteries changed fall and spring) on each floor

It is recommended to install one carbon monoxide (CO) detector on every floor (at minimum, one CO detector outside the sleeping areas)

Plan and review fire escape routes with your family

Cover electrical outlets with safety devices

Place safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairways. These must be anchored to the wall, not pressure mounted

Don’t use space heaters or hot humidifiers around children

Window guards are installed

All cords are out of reach (blinds, curtains, electronics, appliances)

Bookcases and heavy furniture are secured to the wall

Poisonous plants are out of reach or not kept in the house

Loose coins are kept out of reach

Children are always supervised around pets

Screens or safety rails are placed in front of fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heaters

Children are closely supervised when visiting other homes

Kitchen

All sharp objects are kept out of reach and locked up

All hot foods and drinks are kept out of reach

Pot handles are turned inward on the stove and back burners are used

Electric appliances are out of reach, unplugged and away from water

Food temperature should always be checked before serving to your children

Microwaved foods and drinks should always be mixed well after heating

Avoid foods that can cause choking (e.g. popcorn, hard candies)

Cut food into small pieces

Garbage and plastic bags are kept out of reach or disposed of

A working fire extinguisher is available and accessible

Children are not left unattended in a high chair and safety straps are used

Bathroom

Children are always supervised in the bathroom

A non-skid mat is used in the bathtub

The temperature of water is always checked with your wrist or elbow before giving your child a bath

Medications, mouthwash, soap, cosmetics and perfumes are out of reach and locked up

Related Resources

Home safety,injuries,kitchen,bedroom,bathroomAug 28, 2013, 2:27:01 AM EDTThe Regional Municipality of Yorken-USThe Regional Municipality of York
Home Safety
As a parent, you can prevent injuries by creating a safe living environment for your children. Injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children 1 to 14 years old.